Inside Durham’s 80th brass band contest at The Story

The Story hosted the Durham County Brass Band Association’s competition on Sunday (May 17), with music running throughout the day from 10am to 5pm.

The event marked the 80th year of the association’s contest and formed part of wider celebrations as the county prepares to mark 20 years of Durham BRASS Festival.

Durham brass Band competition at The Story, Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Durham brass Band competition at The Story, Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Durham brass Band competition at The Story, Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Durham brass Band competition at The Story, Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Durham brass Band competition at The Story, Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Durham brass Band competition at The Story, Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Durham brass Band competition at The Story, Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Durham brass Band competition at The Story, Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Durham brass Band competition at The Story, Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Durham brass Band competition at The Story, Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Durham brass Band competition at The Story, Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Durham brass Band competition at The Story, Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Durham brass Band competition at The Story, Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Durham brass Band competition at The Story, Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Durham brass Band competition at The Story, Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

A total of 11 bands took part, with performances beginning at 10.30am.

Bands competing in this year’s contest were Bearpark and Esh, Billingham Silver, Craghead Colliery, Dunston Silver, EDMG Peterlee, Felling, Ferryhill Town, Spennymoor Town, Trimdon and Valley Brass.

Durham brass Band competition at The Story, Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Councillor Karen Allison, cabinet member for leisure, tourism, high street and regeneration, before the event said: “We’re delighted to bring families and friends together for the 80th year of the Durham County Brass Band Association’s competition.

“This year, as we prepare to mark 20 years of Durham BRASS Festival, it’s a great opportunity to celebrate a remarkable milestone of music and heritage at The Story.”

Durham brass Band competition at The Story, Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Julie Carmichael, chair of the Durham County Brass Band Association, also added: “This event will showcase brass at its best.

“Families can look forward to fantastic music at a beautiful venue this weekend, and we can’t wait to see audiences making the most of the day.”

Durham brass Band competition at The Story, Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Alongside the competition, families were able to take part in a range of activities.

Face painting was available, while children also took part in arts and crafts in the venue’s Search and Discover area, where they could design their own badge and banner.

Durham brass Band competition at The Story, Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Durham brass Band competition at The Story, Durham (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Visitors were also able to use the on-site café and a number of street food vans throughout the day.

The event received £700 in councillor grant funding from Cllr Elizabeth Scott and Cllr Liz Brown.

Results have not yet been released but can be found here, when they have been processed.